Mr. Speaker, as Bermudians prepare to enjoy another summer in our beautiful parks and beaches, this Government has been hard at work ensuring these public spaces are ready for families, residents and visitors alike.

Across the island, the Department of Parks has been carrying out improvements, repairs and routine maintenance to ensure that our national parks remain safe, welcoming and accessible.

Among the recent works completed are repairs to the railings at the steps at Mullet Bay Park and the Blue Hole Park viewing area. Additional improvements, including repairs to the Horseshoe Bay boardwalks, fencing at Somerset Long Bay and new road markings within the Botanical Gardens, will continue over the coming weeks.

Mr. Speaker, I am also pleased to advise this Honourable House that our beach cleaner and mechanical beach rake are fully operational and are once again helping to maintain some of Bermuda’s most heavily used public beaches. Scheduled beach cleaning is now carried out each weekend at Somerset Long Bay, Horseshoe Bay, Clearwater Beach, Shelly Bay and John Smith’s Bay, while the equipment is also deployed on an ad hoc basis whenever conditions require additional attention. These efforts help ensure that our beaches remain clean, safe and welcoming throughout the busy summer season.

At the Botanical Gardens, restoration work to the Cacti and Succulent House continues to progress on schedule. With only the remaining electrical works outstanding, we anticipate the project will be completed no later than September, allowing this important facility to once again be fully enjoyed by the public.

Mr. Speaker, I am also pleased to share that the Ministry is in the final stages of an agreement that will deliver new playground equipment to several public playgrounds across Bermuda including Ducks Puddle, where families within the area have gone without playground equipment for almost nine years. This investment reflects our commitment to creating safe, modern and enjoyable recreational spaces for Bermuda’s children and families.

Mr. Speaker, these projects represent just some of the work being undertaken by this Government to improve our public spaces. However, maintaining these investments cannot be the sole responsibility of the Government. Protecting these shared assets also requires the cooperation of those who use them. Therefore, I rise this morning to remind the public of the regulations and permit requirements that help preserve our National Parks for everyone’s benefit.

Mr. Speaker, our parks are shared community assets whose continued enjoyment depends upon each of us using them with care and respect. I therefore wish to remind the public that, from April 1 to October 31st, dogs and horses are not permitted on public beaches at any time. These measures help maintain clean, safe beaches for everyone during the peak summer season.

Mr. Speaker, responsible use also means ensuring that organised events are properly planned and managed. Our permitting system is not simply an administrative exercise, it helps to protect park infrastructure, coordinate resources and ensure everyone can safely enjoy these shared spaces.

Small events, including bonfires, require permit applications to be submitted at least five days in advance, while events at the Botanical Gardens or the Arboretum require at least fourteen days’ notice. Applications for these events may be submitted online at gov.bm/parks-special-permit or in person at the Department of Parks located at Global House, 43 Church Street.

For larger events involving ticket sales, food or alcohol vendors, live music, DJs or sporting activities, organisers are required to provide several months’ notice. This allows the Department to coordinate with stakeholders, allocate resources and ensure appropriate oversight before and after each event. Applications must be submitted by email to parksdept@gov.bm or delivered directly to the Department.

Mr. Speaker, this Government has invested considerable time and resources into improving our parks, and the permitting process is one of the key tools that allows us to protect that investment.

Proper planning helps ensure events are well managed, our environment is safeguarded and our parks remain in excellent condition for everyone. We therefore encourage organisers and promoters to plan ahead and work closely with the Department.

Mr. Speaker, while many residents enjoy our parks throughout the summer, no period places greater demand on these public spaces than the Cup Match holiday. As we prepare for one of Bermuda’s most cherished traditions, I would like to remind the public of the camping arrangements that will once again be in place.

Currently, camping with a valid permit is permitted at three designated locations, Ferry Point Park, Chaplin Bay, and Higgs and Horseshoe Islands.

Permits may be obtained in advance from the Department of Parks at Global House.

As in previous years, however, camping in most park areas will be permitted without a permit from Wednesday, July 29th until the end of the day on Sunday, August 2nd.

To help manage demand and ensure everyone’s safety, members of the public are asked to observe the following guidelines:

• Camping is not permitted at Coney Island, Blue Hole Park, Cooper’s Island Nature Reserve or the dune area behind Jobson’s Cove.
• Graffiti or markings must not be used to reserve camping spaces or mark trees.
• Tents and ropes must not be erected before July 29th. Any unauthorised structures placed beforehand will be removed.
• A valid bonfire licence is required for any bonfire activity.

Further information will be shared as the Cup Match holiday approaches.

Mr. Speaker, our parks and beaches belong to every Bermudian. They are places where families gather, traditions are celebrated and lifelong memories are created. This Government will continue investing in these important public spaces, but their long-term success depends upon a shared commitment from all of us.

Whether you are spending the day at the beach, organising an event or enjoying the Cup Match holiday, I encourage everyone to plan ahead, respect the established rules and help us preserve these spaces for future generations. Together, we can ensure that Bermuda’s parks remain safe, welcoming and a source of pride throughout the summer and beyond.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.